The
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session in the County
Commissioners’ room in the Courthouse at Tavares on Thursday, March 16, 1961 at
ten o’clock a.m. (The regular meeting having been moved up from Monday, March
13, to this date in order for the County Commissioners, County Engineer and
County Attorney to attend the Florida State Association Meeting in Tallahassee
the first of the week) with the following present: Chairman Theus, Commissioners
Cowart, Dykes, Simpson, and Babb, Attorney Duncan; and County Engineer Goodson.

The meeting was opened with prayer by Chairman Theus.

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Simpson and
carried, that the Minutes of the meetings of January 3, 9, 13, February 6 and
13, and March 6 be approved as read.

The Board approved Notary Public Bond of Blondell Stiefel
with American Surety Company of New York as Surety.

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Babb and carried,
that the Bond for carrying firearms of Ivy Spencer Arnold, Jr., Leesburg, with
United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, for carrying a pistol made by
Ruger Super Black Hawk (Revolver) of 44 caliber and numbered 2819, be approved.

Bond of Samuel Crafton Bryant, as Deputy Sheriff, was
approved by the Board, with Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company as Surety.

Motion by Commr. Dykes seconded by Commr. Babb and
carried, that the application of R. B. Williams for duplicate tax certificate
#187, dated May 31, 1956, property located in Harlem, Leesburg, was approved by
the Board.

A delegation of ten citizens with Mr. Clark Kauffman as
spokesman again appeared before the Board with reference to Mining Operations
on the North side of U.S. 441 (SR 500) at Silver Lake. He advised the Board
that a suit to enjoin such operations had been instituted by a large number of
residents owning property and living within the area, and that said suit was
partially based upon the enforcement of the present Zoning Regulations. Mr.
Kauffman requested that the County through its County Commissioners intervene
in said suit as a party plaintiff and actively participate in the prosecution
of said suit.

Mr. Duncan stated that the County could petition to
intervene to enforce that part of the complaint pertaining to Zoning and Zoning
regulations.

Motion by Commr. Dykes seconded by Commr. Babb and
unanimously carried, that Lake County join by intervention as a party plaintiff
in the suit for injunction to restrain H. L. Pringle, Dorothy O. Pringle,
George O. Pringle and Rosemary P. Purdum co-partners doing business as Silver
Lake Estates, defendants (Chan. 17,033) from the sand mining operation on the
North side of U. S. 441 (SR – 500) near Silver Lake, in violation of the zoning
of said area and zoning regulations.

Mr. Duncan said he has some of the deeds for right of way
purposes in Sections 6 & 5, Township 21 S. R. 25 East, and will file them
later.

Mr. Duncan filed for record deed from F. S. Specht and
wife to Lake County for right of way purposes on Lake Unity Road – Description
in Section 35-18-24.

Mr. Duncan said he has all the deeds, except one, on the
right of way running west from SR-468 to what is known as the Whitney Road.
(Road back of Stromberg through Tanner’s property.)

Mr. Dykes said he has an oak tree on a road that needs to be
taken out. Has someone who has agreed to remove the tree for $125.00. Motion
by Commr. Babb seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Commr. Dykes be
authorized to have the tree removed from the right of way at a cost not to
exceed $125.00.

Commr. Theus read a letter from State Road Department and
an excerpt from the Minutes of the State Road Board meeting held in Tallahassee
on February 23, 1961, pertinent to traffic regulation changes. Locations in
Lake County being as follows:

Letter from State Road Department with bid tabulation on
above road showing Hubbard Construction Company of Orlando in amount of
$197,800.75 low bidder read and filed.

Mr. Theus read a letter from B & W Canning Company,
Inc., requesting rebuilding of SR-561 between 50 and 33 – also requesting that
this be given high priority rating in the road building program to be presented
March 9, 1961 – copy of this letter dated March 8, had been sent to each
Commissioner.

Mr. Theus also read a letter from Mrs. W. M. Bostwick,
Jr., Bostwick Legislative Bureau – re: Florida Legislature April 4, 1961 –
requesting to represent the Lake County Board at the Legislature. The consensus
of opinion was that the Board does not need this representation. Letter filed.

Mr. Theus read a letter from Ben F. Lewis, Lady Lake,
asking if drainage system could not be established in Lady Lake District.
Discussion on this. After which, Mr. Duncan was instructed to answer the
letter.

mile post sc-811 – lisbon

Mr. Duncan presented in duplicate proposed agreement dated
February 21, 1961 with Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company covering a public
road crossing over Coast Line’s right of way at Lisbon, Florida, which crossing
will be used primarily by Dura-Stress, Inc., WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr.
Dykes seconded by Commr. Simpson and carried, the following Resolution was
adopted:

At a regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners
of Lake County, Florida, held on the 16th day of March, 1961, the
following was ordered and spread upon the Minutes:

“It is hereby ordered by the Board of County
Commissioners. that the form of agreement between said County and the Atlantic
Coast Line Railroad Company, dated February 21, 1961, by the provisions which
the said Railroad Company grants to the said County the right or license of
improving and maintaining a public road or street crossing at grade across the
right of way and track or tracks of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company,
at Lisbon, Florida, at a point 1,691 feet eastwardly, measured along the center
line of the Railroad Company’s main track, from Mile Post SC-811, as
particularly described in said agreement and as more fully shown on the blueprint
attached to and made a part of said agreement, be and the same is hereby
approved:

“Further that the Board of County Commissioners of Lake
County, Florida are hereby authorized and directed to execute said agreement in
the name and on behalf of said County.”

mile post 781 – tavares

Mr. Owens reported that a highway grade crossing 3,170
feet Westerly from said Mile Post was authorized to be built by Mr. Cross while
he was Commissioner. The party desiring the crossing was to pay for same.
Have received the bill in the amount of $268.13 and called Mr. George Vance and
he said mail him the bill and he will pay it direct to Seaboard Air Line
Railroad Company. Bill mailed on March 14, 1961.

mile post s-806 near okahumpka

Mr. Owens read a letter from Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Company re: Installation and maintenance of a public road crossing over ACL RR
Company’s right of way and track 220 feet south of Mile Post S-806 near
Okahumpka, covered by agreement dated March 28, 1960, between Coast Line and Lake
County. This installation was authorized at the entire expense of Lake County,
including cost of raising communication lines to provide standard clearance.
Bill in amount of $240.14 to cover rearrangement and raising of Western Union
wires was presented; WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr.
Babb and carried, the Western Union bill in amount of $240.14 covering
rearrangement and raising wires was approved.

Mr. Babb stated the people at Dona Vista are interested in
having a railroad crossing established over the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad.
Mr. Duncan informed him they would have to make a request to the Railroad
Company to establish the crossing, WHEREUPON, on motion by Commr. Babb seconded
by Commr. Dykes and carried, Attorney Duncan was instructed to request the
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company to establish the crossing. Mr. Babb to
furnish the description to Mr. Duncan.

Mr. Theus announced that Mrs. Marie Bowden asked him to
invite the Board members to a meeting between the County Commissioners and the
Boards of Public Instruction of Lake and Sumter Counties on Tuesday, March 28,
at 12:30 p.m. at the Squires Restaurant to discuss the proposed site for
Lake-Sumter Junior College.

utilities resolution and agreement s-565-A, SECTION
11681

Mr. Duncan read a letter from State Road Department
stating that Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. owns a pole line along the above
road. The letter enclosed six copies of SRD NO. 2 Utilities Relocation
Agreement and SRD No. 2 Resolution and five copies of estimate covering
adjustment of the above job, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Cowart seconded by
Commr. Dykes and carried, the Chairman and Clerk were authorized to execute the
six copies of the Resolution and that the Resolution be adopted as follows:

WHEREAS, the State Road Department pursuant to a
Resolution heretofore adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Lake
County, required the readjustment of certain utility facilities on State Road
No. S-565-A, Section 11681; and

WHEREAS, certain invoices covering the cost of adjusting
such utilities, which were located on private property, have been submitted to
the State Road Department for payment; and

WHEREAS, this Board has reviewed said invoices and finds
them to be a reasonable charge for the services performed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF SAID COUNTY that the following invoices be, and the same are,
declared to be a proper expense incurred by said County for the acquisition of
right of way for the construction of said road and the same are hereby approved
for payment:

UTILITY: SUMTER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

AMOUNT: $12,769.05

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY SAID BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
that the State Road Department of Florida be, and it is hereby requested and
authorized to pay said invoices out of secondary funds accrued to the credit of
this County.

Mr. Owens reported to the Board that he received a request
from the State Road Department dated March 13th for title search on
Job No. 11503-2601 (Palatlakaha River Bridge at Lake Minnehaha) and he asked
Inland Abstract & Title Company to make the title search as they were the
next in line.

After discussion on requests for title searches motion was
made by Commr. Dykes seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, that in the future
when right of way title search is needed that both Abstract Companies be
requested to submit quotations.

Mr. Duncan stated that the Board would not have to
advertise for bids, but just ask for quotations on the job.

Mr. Owens read a letter from State Road Department –
Richey Green – acknowledging receipt of copy of Lake County Resolution dated
February 28, 1961, requesting SRD to pay for, with Lake County Secondary funds,
148 lineal feet of pipe for installation in the vicinity of Station 73 plus 47,
according to the right of way map on SR-500. This letter stated in part as
follows: “We do not feel that we can recommend the approval of this invoice.”
Mr. Theus announced that since the date of this letter he talked to other State
Road Dept. officials and he now thinks the State Road Department will pay this
out of Secondary Funds.

Mr. Owens presented Lake County Road & Bridge warrant
#403 in amount of $89.44 dated February 13, 1961, made payable to Walter G.
White in payment for pipe. Mr. Cowart reported that he had returned the pipe,
therefore, the warrant should be cancelled. WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr.
Cowart seconded by Commr. Babb and carried, the above described warrant was
cancelled.

Mr. Owens reported that in the past the Civil Defense
Director – Karl Lehmann – has had authority to sign for surplus equipment. Now
this ruling has been changed to where the check can be made payable to Civil
Defense Director and he, in turn, endorses the check over to Florida
Development Commissioner.

Mr. Duncan was requested to answer the letter from Mrs.
Pearl Foster re: a road and inform her that the road in question was opened
under the prescriptive law.

Letter from Dr. Thomas D. Weaver re: Survey on Lake
Louise Road was read and filed as Commr. Dykes said he does not know of any
plan to put this road in Secondary Road Fund.

AGRICULTURE CENTER

Mr. Owens read a letter from A. D. Rosier re: the well he
has installed at the Agricultural Center. A copy of this letter has been sent
to Robert Ford, Architect. Mr. Goodson said he has talked to Mr. Ford about
this matter. In the letter Mr. Rosier recommended a high-head side suction
centrifugal pump and a 1000 gallon pneumatic tank. This set up would be less
expensive and considerably less trouble free.

Senator Boyd stated that the Agricultural Center Committee
is concerned with the problem that there will not be enough money to finish
this building and buy the furniture. They want to pass another local bill and
let them establish a new millage for this project. He told them he did not
think this would be quite fair. Discussion on when could advertise for bids.
It was suggested that the Board would have to have a ruling from the Attorney
General on this. Could pass an Act to assess for another year. Extend the
time one more year.

Letter from William W. Boyd stating the number of the
County Road around the east end of Lake Minnehaha is: Federal Aid Project
#185-B and it was built under the farm to market program and is part of the
County Road System, unless it has been made a State Secondary Road. The road
was built around 1934. Letter read and filed.

executed contract dated
february 13, 1961 between l. t. brennand, inc. and lake county re: demolishing
home demonstration building

A note from Dr. Hall, Director Lake County Health
Department, re: this matter states – “I have just talked to the head of the
Welfare in Jacksonville, and the approval for Vender Payment patients in the
County Home are being approved up to as much as a $100.00 per month. They will
notify us to this decision this week in writing.”

discussion of insurance on each piece of equipment and
barns

The Board agreed that the equipment and barns should be
covered by insurance.

discussion on cost of pumping

Mr. Owens advised the Board that unless you are pumping
water off of a County road, do not believe you have the right to use this
pumping equipment.

discussion on expenditures by
the county in getting water off of road in lady lake

Mr. Owens advised the Board that the State Road Department
wants copies of all the bills for this project and he has prepared them in
triplicate. Mr. Goodson is to check the bills and then mail to the State Road
Department.

Motion by Commr. Cowart seconded by Commr. Babb and
carried the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, on the 4th day of April 1960, the
Board of County Commissioners did, at the recommendation of the Lake County
Zoning Commission, reclassify an area known as “Lake View Heights,” “Lake View
Heights, First Addition” and “Lake View Heights, Second Addition,” and place
the same in Classification R-2 ; and

WHEREAS, it has been made to appear that such
reclassification is not suitable for said Subdivisions and the Lake County
Zoning Commission has recommended that said Resolution be amended as
hereinafter set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the Zoning Rules and Regulations of
Lake County be altered and amended as they pertain to the following tracts of
land to the classification and requirements as follows: that Section “2” in
the Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on April 4, 1960,
pertaining to the zoning classification for “Lake View Heights,” “Lake View
Heights, First Addition,” and “Lake View Heights, Second Addition,” be amended
changed and rezoned as follows: that the first tier of lots in said
subdivisions which border “Eagle’s Nest Road” and “Lake Unity Road,” now
classified as R-2, be amended, changed and rezoned to Classification R-1-A, and
that the remainder of said Subdivisions be retained in Classification R-2, with
the further requirement that footage of the living area for dwellings to be
located on the remaining lots in said subdivisions be fixed at a minimum of 700
square feet.

MEETING ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH AT 12:50 PM AND RECONVENED AT
1:45 PM.

At the request of the Board Mr. John May of Inland
Abstract & Title Company appeared before the Board re: Bill of $2100.00
for title search on SR-500 – Job 11010-2501 from city limits of Tavares West to
Silver Lake. He stated that $15.00 is the minimum charge for an item. Most
every item in this search was metes and bounds description, which takes much
longer than when just quarter section. Mr. May thinks it would be unfair to
ask for bids as cannot tell before making the search what will run into. We
charge only enough to make a fair profit and feel that you got a bargain in
this particular search. Mr. May said he would oppose the Resolution to ask for
bids. Does not feel that it is quite fair.

Motion by Commr. Dykes seconded by Commr. Babb and
carried, that the bill of Inland Abstract & Title Company in the amount of
$2100.00 for title search on SR-500 Job 11010-2501 from city limits of Tavares
to Silver Lake be approved and forwarded to State Road Department to be paid
out of Secondary Road Funds.

Copy of title search on said road filed with the Board.

clapp property in mount dora

Mr. Simpson stated he has an appraisal on this property,
showing the value of the lot as $2,240.00, house and garage of no value to the
property - $200.00. This appraisal is not definite as to the total amount therefore;
Mr. Simpson took it back to get the matter clarified.

Mr. Owens presented quotations on books as follows:

H W B Drew Company

2 – Special bound Chancery Dockets Nos. 36-37 $273.00

1 – L. L. Domicile Record No. 7
174.30

The George D. Barnard Company

2 – Chancery Dockets Nos. 36-37
275.20

1 – L .L. Domicile Record No. 6
176.30

Motion by Commr. Dykes seconded by Commr. Babb and carried
that the order for the books as listed above be awarded to H & W B Drew
Company, the low quotation.

Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Dykes and
carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to purchase from International Business
Machines Corp. – 1 IBM Standard Electric 13” carriage – for the total price of
$400.50.

discussion on closing a
street outside of town of astatula south of beverly grizzard’s subdivision

Commr. Dykes said someone from Astatula said they would
get a petition to close the street. Have heard that some gypsies may buy the
property. Mr. Dykes said he told the party to talk to Mr. Duncan. Mr. Duncan
stated that a Mrs. Adkinson came to see him this morning and wants to close a
street in the Southwest corner of Town. She says it is outside of the town.
She said could not bring the petition before the Board until all of the
interested parties have signed.

Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Dykes and
carried, that Clerk Owens be authorized to advertise in the Eustis Lake Region
News for double surface treatment on the following County roads:

Lake Norris Road from SR-44 to Black Water Bridge – 2.6
miles

Seneca Church Road from SR-44 to SR-44-A – 1.6 miles

And the following roads to be mineral sealed:

Washington Avenue, Eustis - 1.1 mile

Bates Avenue, Eustis - 1.1 mile

McDonald Avenue - .4 mile

Wolf Branch Sorrento Road - .7 mile

Mount Homer Road - 1.0 mile

bids for paving certain roads AND A PARKING LOT

The bids for paving certain roads and a parking lot were
received on March 6th and held in abeyance until today and were
again considered:

Mr. Duncan advised that if any bid is accepted, it should
be on the total as advertise, WHEREUPON, on motion of Commr. Dykes seconded by
Commr. Babb and carried, the bid of East Lake Company as follows, was accepted;
as this was the low bid on entire project.

Motion by Commr. Babb seconded by Commr. Dykes and
carried, that the following Resolution be adopted:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Lake County, Florida, that after the adoption of this Resolution, where there
are several items in a Notice to Bid published in accordance with the
requirements of law, there be included in said Notice the right of the County
to accept or reject the bid as a whole, or any part thereof; that the
preparation of Notice to Bidders in this manner hereafter be the policy of the
Board.

unusual situation

Discussion of unusual situation re: passage of pipe,
culvert, ducts, etc. under roads for other than drainage purposes. It was
suggested that in the future the State Road Department be requested to notify
the Board of County Commissioners and Zoning Director when any unusual project
is to be installed under a road. If the Board had known of the situation at
Silver Lake, could probably have avoided the suit. Motion by Commr. Simpson
seconded by Commr. Dykes and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, it has been made to appear to the Board of County
Commissioners that pipes, culverts, conduits and ducts under State Roads have
been installed for drainage purposes and for other purposes; and

WHEREAS, it appears to the Board of County Commissioners
that certain other purposes may be detrimental and conflict with zoning
regulations of areas adjoining such highways and for that reason the Board of
County Commissioners should be advised of any such installation prior thereto,
in order to determine the effect upon the adjoining properties;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County
Commissioners of Lake County that the State Road Department be requested to
officially notify the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, prior to
the granting of any right to install a pipe, culvert, a duct, or a conduit of
any nature, under any of the State Highways in Lake County, which will, in any
way, affect the adjoining properties.

wawryzcki house

Motion by Commr. Dykes seconded by Commr. Babb and
carried, that County Engineer Goodson be instructed to sell the metal garage
doors at the Wawryzcki house.

Mr. Theus stated he will have to hire dirt moving machine
to use in mucky places that he cannot get into with other machinery. Can get a
machine for this purpose from J. D. Manly Construction Company for
approximately $300.00. The Board authorized Mr. Theus to purchase the machine
from Manly.

Fred Tanner, Mosquito Control Manager, appeared before the
Board and stated that his dragline operator is holding two county jobs – works
in day time and part of night – 40 hours at $1.95 per hour, plus 30 hours at
$1.40 per hour. Mr. Tanner asked for a ruling of the Board in this matter.
Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cowart and carried, that Fred
Tanner be instructed to get another man for the night job due to the
unemployment situation.

THE FOLLOWING LETTERS WERE FILED WITH THE BOARD

Note of
thanks from Mrs. Owens for roses sent by the Board while she was in the hospital.

Motion by Commr. Simpson seconded by Commr. Cowart and
carried, that the following voucher be approved for payment:

General Revenue Fund #657 through
815

Road and Bridge Fund #511
“ 636

Fine & Forfeiture #
71 “ 90

State No. II Mosquito # 42-A
“ 56

County Home #
16 “ 21

South Lake Memo Hospital # 5

Agricultural Building # 10 and
#11

County Buildings # 13

resolution

WHEREAS, because of the National Emergency which may arise
requiring Civil Defense, requires considerable preparation and the resulting
expense thereof; and

WHEREAS, certain of the municipalities of Lake County have
incurred certain expenses in the acquisition of materials and supplies
essential for Civil Defense and have submitted statements for the indebtedness
incurred, to-wit: The City of Mount Dora, $35.72; the Town of Mascottte,
$425.19 and the Town of Groveland $86.00.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County
Commissioners of Lake County, Florida, that the Clerk of the Board be
authorized and directed to issue from the funds budgeted for Civil Defense
checks as follows: